Speciality Museums in Chicago
THE 10 BEST Chicago Speciality Museums
Speciality Museums in Chicago
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Museums
Museums
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Near North Side
Speciality Museums
Downtown / The Loop
Speciality Museums • Observatories & Planetariums
South Loop
Speciality Museums • History Museums
Downtown / The Loop
Admission tickets from $27
Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums
Lincoln Park
Speciality Museums
Streeterville
Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
South Loop
Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Downtown / The Loop
Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Gold Coast
Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Downtown / The Loop
Speciality Museums • Art Museums
West Loop
Art Galleries • Speciality Museums
Downtown / The Loop
Speciality Museums
Chinatown
Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
Downtown / The Loop
Speciality Museums
Noble Square
Speciality Museums • History Museums
South Loop
Showing results 1-30 of 60
What travellers are saying
- Jules996Park Ridge, IL125 contributionsWe had a wonderful 90+ minute tour through Grant Park with a seasoned docent. He jokingly referred to it as a "trivia tour" of Grant Park, but there was nothing trivial about it. I am a proud Chicagoan, and pride myself on knowing a good deal about our history, art, and architecture, but our docent really highlighted so many interesting places, individual works of art, and historical events throughout the park. I would recommend this tour to Chicagoans as well as tourists. Very enjoyable and informative.Written 4 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mike T1 contributionFun museum. Everything is interactive and very informative. Highly recommend. Worth the money and the gift shop is cool tooWritten 22 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NoraatcSudbury, MA39,646 contributionsA rainy day was a perfect time to visit exquisite Richard H. Dreihaus Museum, which was saved by philanthropist Richard H. Driehaus, who sponsored its restoration from 2003 to 2008. I can’t describe the beauty of this Art Deco gem full of the finest Tiffany lamps and chandeliers. Honestly, I was in shock (a pleasant one)… gorgeous wooden panels of the walls gracefully blend with elaborate green and white tiles, subdued lights, magnificent furniture and lavish textiles in every room. The dining room and the library are just phenomenal. And the staircase… what a beauty! The jewelry exhibit from Richard H. Driehaus‘s personal collection is also fantastic… For all Chicago Architecture Center members the visit is free through reciprocal NARM membership.Written 29 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ClevelandTraveler216Cleveland, OH38 contributionsEnjoyed touring the Chicago Fed money museum. Learned a lot about the history of money and currency in the United States. Enjoyed many of the other activities as well.Written 28 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- dexfast tJacksonville, FL6 contributionsThe planets, the formation of the universe, and the real Gemini 12 spacecraft are all on display, with an emphasis on astronomy and space travel. There are enough cutting-edge astronomical exhibits to keep you informed of the most recent findings, and there are also enough kid-friendly exhibits to maintain their attention.Written 22 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MaddyLondon, UK21 contributionsWe had a lovely visit to the museum. It has a range of interesting exhibits and interactive activities. We spent 2 hours there and could have spent longer! The staff were also lovely.Written 24 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PJA070413Arlington, VA158 contributionsThe Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) seems like a "hidden gem" of a museum if you have any interest in ancient history and culture. I came here a day after I visited the Field Museum, which is amazing and has far more extensive collections than ISAC, but was very crowded and harder to navigate. The ISAC is much smaller and more focused in its exhibits, and I found it to be a much more pleasant and interesting place to learn about the earliest days of civilization. So if this area of history interests you, I recommend you consider a visit to ISAC. Be aware that this museum is away from the main tourist areas of downtown Chicago (about 8 miles south of Millennium Park) and is located on the campus of the University of Chicago. There is also Museum of Science and Industry nearby. Chicago's electric commuter rail line (which is called the Metra or "M" train) has a stop not too far from the university campus, but I recommend that you take a taxi or ride share to go directly to and from the museum in this area of south Chicago. The campus is close to Lake Shore Drive and it is about a 20-30 minute drive from Millennium Park by that route.Written 19 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BillyCeeNew York City, NY13 contributionsWe decided to give this museum a try after exploring Millennium Park one very hot afternoon. We were all happily surprised how much fun we had inside. Definitely check this museum out while in Chicago.Written 30 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jennifer C31 contributionsWe had a great time with our two kids, ages 5 and 6. We all loved the butterfly pavilion and there were lots of other hands on activities.Written 28 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Warren WChester, VA31 contributionsWe went with our grandchildren and son-in-law and it was a wonderful experience. The different rooms are cleverly thought out and a fun mix of science and goofy fun. We have no regrets about spending our time here, and lunch was readily available in the same location (Steak and Shake - other options too).Written 17 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- vwfanforeverYorkton, Canada282 contributionsTook in the museum as a huge Jordan fan I got to see a lot of items. It's disappointing to know this is the only place to really see tributes to the legend. Thankfully harry bought some of the merch. Highly recommend to eat the food and get free admittance.Written 15 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Wanda HMascoutah, IL396 contributionsThis house was AWESOME along with the furniture and decorations! Different than a normal house from the same period. Such a jewel to still have and be able to view! The docent we had wasn't the greatest for our interest (more about the house and family and less about other people). The difficult part of this tour is that some carpets are not supposed to be walked on, and some rooms are not to be entered. But there is no roping off of these places. Just the docent correcting you very sternly as you happen to venture onto or into one of these places. It would be SO easy for them to mark these areas, leaving less room for misunderstanding.Written 4 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- hwattorneySt. George, UT83 contributionsThe various exhibits are interactive and come with explanations. There’s no wrong or right. Fun and educational. Nice way to spend an hour. All the studies are easy.Written 17 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tawnee CRockford, IL11 contributionsThis is a charming and quirky little museum just south of Lincoln Park. It's not very big, but the admission price is very affordable. If you have any interest in health sciences or medicine, this is a must see. I most enjoyed the different skulls in the cabinet of curiosities, but the jars of gallstones and kidney stones was also quite something to behold. Definitely recommend. You will come away having learned quite a bit about the history of medicine and the surgical sciences.Written 30 May 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- doug BChicago, IL155 contributionsI’ve lived in the city for over 30 years. I’ve walked by this place but never gave it much thought. The doors were open and it was free recently when I walked in just to take a minute to see the bridge gears and be on my way. Ended up spending 30 minutes and could have spent more. (Pretty easily digested in 45 minutes or so. Fascinating history of the Chicago river very well presented. I had no idea the in the relatively recent past the river was such a mess. This place was a delightful surprise. Tip: it is pretty narrow (it is in a bridge house after all) and it could get a little tight. Going first thing on a weekday worked well. I highly recommendWritten 26 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
